Gearbox alignment is critical for a smooth and quiet running gearbox with long trouble-free service life. If the gearbox is grossly misaligned, the driver (motor or engine) cannot transmit uniform rotation to the gearbox. Consequently, the following problems may occur:
- Vibration
- Noisy running
- Reduced bearing life
- Premature gear tooth failure
The input shaft of the gearbox and the output shaft of the driver should be parallel, and the centerlines of both shafts should be in a common vertical plane.
Many different types and makes of driveshafts are being used. The tolerances for the shaft angular misalignment vary. Typically, a gearbox can tolerate larger misalignment than can a drive shaft. Rather, the tolerances should be obtained from the drive shaft suppliers.
